The London Funeral Singers, an independent provider of professional singers, choirs and instrumentalists for funeral services around the UK, is offering those who could not have the funeral they wanted personalised video recordings as tribute to their loved ones, with all proceeds going to Hospice UK.

Coronavirus social distancing restrictions have meant that thousands of people have not been able to give their loved ones the funeral service they would have wanted. The current government guidelines require a 2-metre distance between mourners (amongst other restrictions), which has created significant disruption to traditional funeral services and left many without the opportunity to say goodbye in the way they would like.

To help those affected, The London Funeral Singers are offering recently bereaved people the chance for a special song of their choice to be professionally arranged, performed and mixed in lockdown, and transformed into a video memorial alongside photos and other memories. The project is called #ASongForThem.

One video they made was for Rosemary Phillips, who died last month. “That is so beautiful, I am so grateful,” commented her daughter, who requested the video. “I have sobbed through it twice. I am deeply moved by what you do, thank you very much."

They have made several others so far including popularly requested pieces The Lark Ascending and Hallelujah.

“We were just heartbroken to read about all the people who haven’t been able to say goodbye to their friends and family, knowing, as we do, how important funerals are to the grieving process,” said Briony Rawle, co-founder of The London Funeral Singers.

“We’re proud of what we do, and by making these videos, we hope to continue to help people cope with bereavement, especially during the current crisis.”

This service is being offered free of charge, but The London Funeral Singers are requesting donations in return to help support hospice workers via Hospice UK. More than £1,000 has been raised so far through the project, with a new target of at least £1,500. You can find the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/a-song-for-them

“Hospices are facing immense pressure in shoring up the NHS during the current crisis,” said Penelope Shipley, co-founder of The London Funeral Singers. “There has been a wonderful outpouring of gratitude for key workers and the NHS, and we want to make sure that the unsung heroes who help provide comfort and dignity in the UK’s hospices receive the same recognition and support.”

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